Organisers of the ‘End Hunger’ protest in Lagos have announced plans to gather at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, on Monday to continue their demonstration.
In a statement released on Sunday by the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, the demonstrators expressed disappointment that President Bola Tinubu took three days of protest before addressing the nation.
In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu pledged to listen to and address the protesters’ concerns, stating he had heard their calls “loud and clear.” However, he also urged protesters to suspend further demonstrations to allow for dialogue—a request that has raised concerns among the organisers.
The organisers have labelled the decision to address the nation as an “important victory” for their movement. They emphasized the necessity of their efforts in prompting presidential acknowledgment, declaring that a President is not greater than the will of the people.
However, they criticized the conflicting messages from the President, stating, “the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time.” They condemned the call for protests to be suspended while simultaneously offering dialogue.
The statement also condemned violent attacks during the protest, including incidents where thugs targeted peaceful demonstrators, causing injuries.
The organisers called upon all Nigerian youth and citizens to join them at Gani Fawehinmi Park at 7 am on Monday, August 5, 2024, marking Day 5 of their protest.
Though the Lagos state government previously deemed the protests peaceful, recent footage showed protesters being chased by armed thugs shortly after the President’s address. Incidents of violence against protesters, including a documented attack during a live interview, have raised alarms.
The organisers urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the media, and the Nigerian Bar Association to stand in solidarity with them against what they see as attempts to suppress their voices. They reaffirmed that the #EndBadGovernance protests stem from the shared struggles and frustrations of ordinary Nigerians.
